Why Many People Get Sick During the Holiday Season

 The holiday season is here again! ‘Tis the season to be jolly, merry, and sick? According to Dr. William Schaffner, chair of the department of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University, the “holidays are a  virus-distribution system.”

Flu season

As the holidays draw closer, flu becomes rampant as well. This is because the influenza virus thrives and circulates better in cold weather. Normally, the flu season reaches its peak in the late part of the fall and the early part of winter. Aside from the flu virus, rotavirus and norovirus also become active during winter. Both viruses spread through contaminated food and cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever.

People here, there and everywhere

Holidays are all about shopping, attending parties, or heading to the malls. They also help spread the virus from one person to another because of close contact. Imagine a crowd of people using the same doorknobs and touching the same surfaces after sneezing–not hygienic, right? People get less fresh air and get exposed to everyone’s germs.

Germs come a-flying’

When family members from other places come and visit, there’s a chance that they’re bringing along disease-causing microorganisms that have been in their communities. Air travel does not stop viruses from spreading from one place to another.

High-stress levels

The holidays can be one of the most demanding times of the year. With all the parties to throw, dinners to prepare, gifts to buy, it is not easy to maintain grace under pressure. In fact, stress during holidays has been like tradition. With high stress, your immune system becomes low.

Too much intake of unhealthy food and drinks

With so many treats and temptations around the corner, many people gain unwanted pounds during the holidays. Along with these unwanted pounds come risks for illnesses such as diabetes, heart attack, stroke, stomach flu, and many more.

Lack of sleep

With so many parties and events going on, you will have your share of sleepless nights. Lack of sleep also weakens your immune system, thus making you more vulnerable to illnesses.